Why visit
Mauritania is deep Sahara: the ancient caravan libraries of Chinguetti, the Adrar plateau, the world's longest iron-ore train, and the Banc d'Arguin, where the desert meets a bird-filled Atlantic.
Country - Africa
Mauritania
culturenatureadventure
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Mauritania works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Nouakchott as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Mauritania.
At a glance
Location
20.0°, -12.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
1,030,700 km²
397,955 mi²
Subregion
Western Africa
Currency
Mauritanian ouguiya (UM)
MRU
Dial
+222
Language
Arabic
Demonym
Mauritanian
Internet
.mr
UN
Member state
ISO code
MR / MRT
Where in the world
20.0° - -12.0°
Mauritania
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Mauritania was the last country in the world to officially abolish slavery, in 1981, with criminal penalties added only in 2007.
- Chinguetti's 13th-century libraries still hold tens of thousands of medieval Islamic manuscripts in their original hand-copied form.
- The Iron Ore Train in the Sahara is one of the longest and heaviest in the world, stretching 2-3 km.
Bordering Mauritania
Traveler notes
- Riding the iron-ore train to Nouadhibou is a famous hard-travel rite
- Chinguetti's desert libraries hold medieval manuscripts
- Banc d'Arguin hosts millions of migratory birds
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Nouakchott, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Mauritania
What is the capital of Mauritania?
Nouakchott is the capital of Mauritania.
What currency does Mauritania use?
Mauritania uses the Mauritanian ouguiya (UM), ISO code MRU.
What languages are spoken in Mauritania?
The primary language is Arabic.
Is Mauritania landlocked?
No, Mauritania has a coastline.
What countries border Mauritania?
Mauritania borders Algeria, Mali, Senegal.
What is the international calling code for Mauritania?
The calling code is +222.
When is the best time to visit Mauritania?
Nov–Mar. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Africa destinations
Libya
Libya holds Leptis Magna and Sabratha, two of the Mediterranean's greatest Roman cities, and the prehistoric rock art of the Acacus mountains. Conventional tourism is currently very limited; the sites wait for calmer years.
Madagascar
Madagascar split from the continents 88 million years ago and kept its own cast: lemurs, baobab avenues, and the limestone needles of Tsingy de Bemaraha. Distances are huge and roads are slow, so itineraries need discipline.
Malawi
Malawi is built around its lake: a 580 km inland sea with clear water, cichlid fish found nowhere else, and beach lodges from backpacker to boutique. Liwonde and Majete parks have restocked into genuine safari destinations.
Mali
Mali carries some of Africa's most storied places: Timbuktu, Djenné's Great Mosque, and the Dogon escarpment. Security conditions have made most of the country off-limits to travelers for years; the heritage endures.
Mauritius
Mauritius is an Indian Ocean destination with lagoons, Creole food, and volcanic interiors. Best paired with slow travel rather than island-hopping.
Morocco
Morocco threads Roman ruins, imperial medinas, Saharan dunes, and Atlantic surf coasts into a single, compact trip. Marrakesh and Fès anchor the culture routes; Essaouira and Taghazout anchor the beach ones.